RORY MCILROY has spoken out for the first time since filing for divorce from wife Erica Stoll.
News broke yesterday that the 35-year-old golfer filed legal documents with Florida courts on Monday to end his marriage after seven years.
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The paperwork described their marriage as “irretrievably broken.”
McIlroy’s shocking separation from Erica came in the days between Wells Fargo’s victory at Quail Hollow on Sunday and the start of the PGA Championship at Valhalla tomorrow.
The Northern Irishman was seen on the golf course on Tuesday after removing his wedding ring as he played with friends and looked relaxed ahead of the second major tournament of the year.
But speaking at the site of his fourth and most recent major victory a decade ago, McIlroy refused to be asked about the bombshell breakup.
The media official who organized the press conference in Kentucky warned journalists that McIlroy would not answer any questions about his personal life.
But asked how he feels entering this prestigious tournament, a defiant McIlroy said simply: “I’m ready to play this week.”
He added: “I feel good, I’m getting to a place where I’ve had some success before.”
Rory and Erica met when he overslept at the 2012 Ryder Cup and she organized a police escort to get him to the first tee on time.
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The golfer was dating Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki at the time, but called off their engagement in 2014 after sending out wedding invitations.
McIlroy began dating former PGA employee Stoll in 2015, proposing in Paris in December of that year.
Inside Rory McIlroy’s turbulent love life
By Ciaran Wiseman
Rory McIlroy had a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, whom he met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica frequently interacted with players through her role as volunteer operations manager for the PGA Championship.
She even saved McIlroy from losing his playing time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a strong friendship between the two, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a series of dates in Rochester, New York in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to shield his family from cameras while filming Netflix documentary series Full Swing.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman filed documents with a Florida court.
They married in 2017 – accompanied by a star-studded guest list – and welcomed their daughter Poppy three years later.
Erica was present at the Ryder Cup in Rome last fall, cheering on her husband as he inspired Europe to an emphatic victory over the USA.
However, McIlroy hinted at trouble in his relationship with Erica with a subtle hint on Sunday.
During a TV interview after his Wells Fargo fourth, he praised mom Rosie for Mother’s Day in the US, but didn’t mention his daughter’s mother, Erica.
The split was confirmed by the world number two’s representatives, who told SunSport: “Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed.
“They emphasized Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and friendly as possible.”
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Rory McIlroy’s Professional Achievements
By Ian Tuckey
Rory McIlroy has spent more than 100 weeks as world No. 1 – and has won four Majors and won 40 tournaments so far.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched the feat of winning one of the Big Four at age 25.
And after winning the 2011 US Open, the Northern Irish ace added the PGA Championship the following year – adding the Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here’s a summary of the glittering career of the 35-year-old five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the Saudi-backed rival LIV tour:
- 2007 – topped the world amateur rankings at age 17.
I turned pro in September.
Became the youngest affiliate member in the history of The European Tour to earn a tour card.
- 2009 – reached the top 50 worldwide.
- 2010 – Won his first PGA Tour title through the Quail Hollow Championship.
He made a successful Ryder Cup debut.
Became the youngest player to reach earnings of $10 million on the PGA Tour.
- 2011 – Famously lost a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.
But he won his first major the following month – the US Open.
Voted Sports Personality of the year by RTE – Ireland’s main broadcaster.
- 2012 – won the PGA Championship.
Named PGA Tour Player of the Year and went on to further Ryder Cup glory.
- 2013 – Signed a major sponsorship deal with Nike.
- 2014 – his best year yet, in terms of specialization.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
He then won back-to-back PGA titles, defeating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Named RTE Sports Personality of the Year for the second time.
Once again he helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
- 2016 – Finished the season by winning the Tour championship, placing him atop the FedEx Cup and earning a $10 million bonus.
Suffered defeat in the Ryder Cup.
- 2017 – failed to win all year.
But he took top 10 places in the Masters, The Open and 3 WGC events.
And with Nike largely withdrawing from the golf market, he landed an £80 million sponsorship deal with TaylorMade.
- 2018 – More joy at the Ryder Cup.
- 2020 Surpassed Brooks Koepka to Become World No. 1
- 2021 – A Ryder Cup loser.
- 2022 – runner-up in the Masters and third in the Open.
- 2023 – Helped Europe defeat the USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
- 2024 – struggled at the start of the season, finishing only 22nd at the Masters.
But then he won two tournaments – the Zurich Classic for his 25th PGA title and the Wells Fargo Championship.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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